The new commemorative coin honours Victory in Europe (VE) Day, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

A new commemorative coin has been unveiled by The Royal Mint to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

The 50p coin design includes a dove of peace and the inscription ‘in peace goodwill’. The coins are available to buy from the Royal Mint’s website and are available in a range of finishes, from brilliant uncirculated versions to silver and gold.

To mark the occasion, The Royal Mint welcomed two special guests to site, from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, a long-standing organisation that supports veterans through social events, trips to the continent for acts of commemoration and memorable experiences.

WWII veterans Ron Horsey, 98, and Richard Pelzer, 101, both from Swansea and served with the Royal Engineers, enjoyed a behind the scenes tour at the manufacturing site in Llantrisant and had the honour of striking one of the first silver VE Day coins.

As Ron and Richard, both from Swansea, proudly showed off their own medals, Royal Mint employee Rhiannon Baldwin spoke to them about the processes and precision that goes into making medals at The Royal Mint, showcasing some examples awarded to active-service personnel like the Military forces such as the Defence Medal and the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

The veterans then had the opportunity to strike the first VE Day silver commemorative coins.

Veteran Ron Horsey said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been invited to The Royal Mint to strike this coin. VE Day holds such meaning for me and many others and to be able to strike this design representing peace onto a coin all these years later is truly moving. I hope this coin reminds people of the freedom we enjoy today and the cost at which it came.”

Vice President of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, Dick Goodwin, said: “It was an honour to bring Ron and Richard to the Royal Mint today and I know how thrilled they were to be invited to strike the first of the new VE Day coins. It was a wonderful experience and we want to thank the Royal Mint for looking after our WWII veterans so well.”

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “The VE Day coin pays tribute to the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the generation who secured peace in Europe in May 1945 and it was fitting to welcome Ron and Richard to site to strike one of the first coins.

“The coin is not only a tribute to history but also a powerful addition to any coin collection. Collecting coins such as this is a meaningful way to preserve and honour our nation’s heritage, allowing collectors and families to connect with the stories of courage, sacrifice and unity that shaped modern Britain. This VE Day coin serves as a timeless symbol of national pride offering a tangible way to commemorate those who fought for peace.”

The Royal Mint has a long-standing tradition of marking significant events in British history – events that changed the course of history, and the VE Day coin is the latest in that legacy. Recent coins include the Red Arrows 50p, Stories of the Second World War 50p and the 80th Anniversary of D-Day 50p.